Common signs of cancer missed in young people

Cllr Malcolm Doherty OBE

Two thirds of young people with cancer visited GPs with at least one of the most common cancer symptoms, yet for a third GPs took no action. A quarter visited GPs four times or more before their symptoms were taken seriously and they were referred to a specialist.

The research, conducted at Teenage Cancer Trust’s 2012 conference for 300 young cancer patients1, looked at the experiences of young people aged 13 to 24 when they first experienced symptoms of cancer. The research highlights the serious issue of delayed diagnosis in 13 to 24 year olds.

Misdiagnoses and feedback from GPs included:

• Infection or virus (15%)
• It’s nothing/you’re attention seeking (12%)
• Sports injury (10%)
• Stress, depression or psychosomatic (6%)
• “Take painkillers” (5%)
• Eating disorder (2%)
• “Come back in six months”
• Three patients were told specifically “you don’t have cancer.”
• · Other misdiagnoses include indigestion, vertigo and swine flu

The findings come as Teenage Cancer Trust, the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young people with cancer, launches the first Teenage Cancer Awareness Week. Running from 30 April to 4 May, the week will educate young people, parents, teachers and health professionals about the signs and symptoms of cancer in 13 to 24 year olds. The charity has also produced a schools pack to help teachers talk about cancer in the classroom.

Over a third (34%) of young cancer patients believe learning about cancer at school would have helped them identify their symptoms sooner. The majority (59%) also want to see the signs and symptoms of cancer included in the National Curriculum.

Whilst cancer in young people is rare, Teenage Cancer Trust believes its vital young people, their parents and health professionals know the warning signs so it can be spotted early if it does occur. Five of the most common symptoms in young people are unexplained and persistent: 

• Pain
• A lump, bump or swelling
• Extreme tiredness
• Significant weight loss
• Changes in a mole